In today’s music industry, it is hard for bands to get attention, especially when a band’s base is a small town in rural Iowa.

In the summer of 1996, one Iowa State business management student become well aware of these challenges when he formed Level 7 in Villisca, a small Iowa town of only 1,200.

“We’re the first ones I know [from Villisca] who have tried to do original stuff,” Cody Winther said. “We don’t want to be a cover band, that’s for sure.”

Band members include Winther and Jeff Vrba trading off on vocals, guitar and bass, and drummer Rob Dunn. Winther and Vrba are also the songwriters, usually coming up with music while jamming at practice.

Winther describes Level 7’s music as “noisy punk,” citing Bad Religion, Local H, The Pixies and House of Large Sizes as influences.

During Level 7’s time together, the group has played a few shows in the Midwest, including The Long Shot, The Brickyard in Omaha and a few shows in Villisca.

The band also released its debut album, “Physical Restraint,” in May of 1997.

In a short two-day stretch, the band recorded 14 songs with the help of producer Mike Stone and without the help of a record label.

This do-it-yourself attitude has clearly set the band apart from the bands heard on commercial radio.

“We can do as much ourselves as what a label can do,” Winther said.

The band has been featured on “Local Licks” on the Des Moines station Laser 103.3 F.M. and on a local music show on the Omaha station 101.9 F.M. the Edge.

In addition to its debut album, Level 7 also produced a live album recorded at one of its Villisca shows. However, only 50 copies were made and most will be sold to friends.

“I don’t play to be a rock star,” Winther said. “I just love playing. Some of the best moments we’ve had have been just playing with each other back home.”

In the future, Level 7 hopes to play at The M-Shop and at The Safari in Des Moines. The band has a tentative date at The Safari on April 11, although the show is not yet confirmed.

The band’s debut CD can be purchased at local Ames music stores or via the group’s Web page. The page can be accessed at www.public.iastate.edu~crwlozermainpage.html.